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Kashmir
13 January 2021
Lead MP
Sarah Owen
Luton North
Lab
Responding Minister
Nigel Adams
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Word Count: 8865
Other Contributors: 8
At a Glance
Sarah Owen raised concerns about kashmir in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Ms Owen asks for a transparent investigation into recent deaths in Kashmir and urges the Minister to ensure that claims of sexual violence from Kashmiri women seeking asylum will be taken seriously. She also calls for international work on tackling online propaganda and fake news to protect freedom of speech.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Ms Sarah Owen is concerned about the lockdown and restrictions imposed on people in Kashmir, which she describes as a means of control rather than safety. She highlights that around 7 million people have been silenced and cut off from communication with the outside world since 2019 when autonomy was stripped away. Ms Owen also mentions numerous human rights abuses including reports of Muslims being denied access to hospitals during the pandemic, unexplained killings such as those of Athar Mushtaq, and women's fear of assault by soldiers.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
Mr Gardiner discussed the political situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, highlighting that it is neither a country nor a province with clear devolved authority. He noted that all major civil and police administrative positions are held by Pakistani officers and there is no representation in the Pakistan Parliament or inter-provincial bodies. Mr Gardiner also mentioned religious persecution in Pakistan, stringent blasphemy laws, terrorist training camps, and human rights violations as reported by Human Rights Watch. He asked the Minister if he could confirm that over 50% of the population in DDC elections freely took part, and that the Bharatiya Janata party won as the largest single party.
James Daly
Con
Bury South
He highlighted the human rights issue in Kashmir, mentioning a large Kashmiri diaspora in his constituency. He emphasized the importance of visiting Kashmir to understand the situation and spoke about detention without trial for up to 15 years, torture, disappearances, and sexual violence against women. He called for an international programme through the United Nations to protect human rights in Kashmir.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon expressed concern about human rights violations in both India and Pakistan-administered areas of Kashmir, highlighting the loss of civilian life due to security forces and arbitrary arrests. He noted 1,081 civilians were killed between 2008 and 2018 and that many remain detained under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act. Shannon also raised issues of religious freedom violations in both territories, mentioning the arrest of children and economic losses estimated at $2.4 billion due to restrictions.
John Spellar
Lab
Warley
He congratulated Sarah Owen on securing the debate and emphasised that it is a matter of right and wrong, not left versus right. He highlighted the need for human rights to be universal concerns, expressing deep concern over the communications shutdown affecting families in Jammu and Kashmir. Spellar also criticised India's rewriting of its constitution, undermining Kashmir's autonomy, and mentioned violent crackdowns on individuals including beatings, shootings, arrests, and disappearances.
Naseem Shah
Lab
Bradford West
Ms Shah criticised the Indian Government for revoking Kashmir's special status and implementing curfews, arrests, media blackouts, and violations of human rights. She highlighted that 250 Kashmiris were killed, 1,500 injured, 4,815 cordon and search operations took place, political leaders were arrested, and the demographics of Kashmir changed. Ms Shah called for reassurances from the UN and questioned if the UK's arms sales to India are contributing to a genocide in Kashmir.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Mr Moore acknowledged the heavy lockdown restrictions imposed on Kashmir since August 2019, which led to arrests, harassment, property revocation, destruction of properties, and loss of lives. He reported that nearly 300 Kashmiris were killed, over 1,600 injured, and more than 900 houses destroyed since the special status was revoked. Mr Moore urged the Government to investigate allegations of human rights abuses and seek a solution through UN human rights officials accessing both sides of the line of control.
Sara Britcliffe
Con
Penistone and Stocksbridge
She expressed her experience visiting a refugee camp in Pakistan near the line of control, witnessing first-hand the torture and suffering faced by Kashmiris. She condemned the curfews, communication blackouts, media restrictions, and arrests of politicians and human rights activists. Britcliffe also highlighted the lack of fair trials for detainees under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberafan Maesteg
He expressed concern over the human rights crisis in Kashmir, highlighting the conflict's long history and its recent developments. He mentioned that up to 95,000 have been killed since 1989 due to political and military conflicts, making Kashmir the most militarised place on earth. Stephen Kinnock also questioned India's unilateral revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, which led to a lockdown with severe impacts on daily life, including health services and media freedom.
Government Response
Nigel Adams
Government Response
The Minister responded to the debate, highlighting strong ties with India and Pakistan. He discussed the impact of COVID-19 in Kashmir, stating there are nearly 3,000 cases in India-administered Kashmir and 13,000 cases in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The situation in Kashmir remains a concern due to restrictions on assembly and communications post-revocation of article 370 of the Indian constitution. Restrictions on internet connectivity remain, although some have been relaxed with broadband internet partially restored. Recent elections took place since the constitutional changes but more needs to be done according to the Minister. Allegations of human rights violations must be investigated promptly, thoroughly and transparently as per international standards.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.